Pep Guardiola has made a bold selection for Manchester City's crucial Premier League match against Crystal Palace, omitting star forwards Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki from the starting XI. The City boss has named all three as substitutes with the FA Cup final against Chelsea looming on Saturday. This decision comes with City trailing Arsenal by five points in the title race.

City must win to retain any realistic hope of winning the Premier League title, as Arsenal could clinch the championship on Monday with victory over relegated Burnley. Guardiola explained his rotation policy: "When the schedule is so tight everybody is fit, everybody needs to help." The rested forwards have combined for 35 league goals this season, with Doku particularly crucial after scoring three goals in his last two matches.

Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden and Savinho come into the starting lineup in place of the rested attackers. Palace, who beat City in last season's FA Cup final, are also managing their squad for the UEFA Conference League final on May 27. This match represents City's final chance to keep their title hopes alive before turning their attention to the cup final at Wembley.